The Chair, Councillor Paul Hayes, welcomed the forum members, Ann Lavin as New Brighton community representative to her first meeting, representatives from 7 Waves community radio station, representatives from Her Majesty’s Courts Service and 12 members of the public to the meeting of the Area Forum at New Brighton Primary School.

Apologies were received from Barry Humphries, Mark Williams, Bob Little and Martin Revans

·  Including: Matters Arising from February 09

The Area Co-ordinator, Andy Brannan, gave an overview of his report, copies of which were available for members of the public at the meeting.  The minutes of the meeting of the Area Forum on 16 February 2009 were included on pages 4-15 and a written update on the majority of issues raised on pages 15-17 of the report, with the exception of the following points from page 16 and a verbal update was given as follows:

• Point 5 - integrated surgery at Asda – Tony Mooney reported there had been a change in personnel recently and that a date would be arranged shortly. He will inform Andy Brannan of the date once confirmed in order for this to be communicated more widely.
• Points 6 - oncology moving to the Royal – Dr Mukherjee referred to a letter written recently by Kathy Doran, Chief Executive addressed to Cllr Wood which states unequivocally and gives a firm reassurance that the service at Clatterbridge will continue. It is intended to develop a service at the Royal but not to move the existing service at Clatterbridge.
• Point 7 - CT/MRI scans - With regard to CT/MRI scans waiting time Dr Mukherjee stated that the waiting time is currently 3 weeks and that GP’s can now make referrals directly.

In addition to these updates, other matters arising include:

• Update libraries enquiry – Cllr Hayes reported that he, Cllr Rennie and Cllr Wood presented a case last week at the public enquiry with regard to Wallasey Village library. Miss Charteris who is leading the enquiry will present this and other cases to the Secretary of State.
• You Decide – Andy Brannan stated that 2009/10 forms for this year’s allocation of £20k were available this evening. A programme of works for last year’s allocation is in progress. He also referred to a small grants funding that is available until 30^th June and that if anyone was interested in applying to inform him.

Resolved that: 

(i)  the minutes of the last meeting held on 16^th February 2009 be approved

(ii)  that Andy Brannan, Area Co-ordinator be thanked for his update

(iii)  Cllr Wood extended thanks to Kathy Doran for a thorough response

The Chair invited partners to provide their updates and to link public question time to this session.

Police

Inspector Julie Fletcher reported that copies of the June newsletter for New Brighton were available this evening. Further to the update contained within the forum report, she wished to add the following:

• National tackling drugs week – took place last week and warrants were executed. A resident was stopped at Wallasey tunnel and kilo of cocaine was seized
• Operation Big Wing – last Friday evening to tackle alcohol related violence
• Operation Stay Safe– Cllr Wood took part in this operation with regard to young people at risk of alcohol harm. 65 arrests were made during the course of the evening relating to various alcohol offences
• Hamilton Road area – with regard to anti social behaviour there has been a 70% reduction in calls. At the last problem solving meeting, local residents are to meet with young people for mediation.
• Open Day – took place on 9/10 May, 119 people visited the station. Another event will be held in October if anyone wishes to book a place on the tour email details are contained in the newsletter. The tour includes a visit to the old cells at Manor Road and to the high technical control room.
• Insight scheme – this is a fairly new initiative whereby residents can shadow officers either o foot or in a vehicle

Inspector Fletcher introduced Sergeant Andy Bragg who has recently joined the neighbourhood and will represent the New Brighton ward.

Inspector Peter Kolokotroni reported that his neighbourhood covers Leasowe, Moreton, Saughall Massie and Wallasey Village, copies of the newsletter for Wallasey area were also available. Further to the update contained within the forum report, he wished to add the following:

• Insight scheme – it is intended to extend this initiative to his neighbourhood
• Overall figures have dropped with the exception of theft from motor vehicles which has risen in the Moreton area. Almost half of these offences occur with property in the vehicles ie: satellite navigation and handbags in view
• An operation is underway currently in Wallasey Village due to theft from sheds/garages in recent weeks
• Anti social behaviour – with school holidays approaching there are various targeting operations commencing particularly in parks and open spaces.
• Run a number of diversionary activities including residential army trip with young people (Inspector Fletcher runs this), 5 a side football, mountain biking/walking all of which young people sign up to a behavioural contract.
• Statistics for May – 36 fixed penalties for motoring offences (speeding), 12 vehicles were seized due to no insurance or driving license, 17 fixed penalties for speeding along Bayswater Road, 14 young people were stopped as part of truancy sweep, of these 7 were out of school unauthorised and were returned, of these 7, 2 had been stopped previously and further action will now be taken.

The Chair invited questions from the floor:

1.  Peter Dickinson – enquired about the army initiative and asked  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

·  21^st October 2009 (Venue to be confirmed)

The next meeting will be held on Wednesday 21^st October 2009, at a venue to be confirmed.

There was no further business and the meeting closed at 8.00pm.

Those present were invited to visit 7 Waves community radio station and Her Majesty’s Courts Services who had stalls at the back of the hall.